Empowering Young People Through our Youth Interventions "ReAction" Programme

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) has successfully delivered its latest Youth Interventions "ReAction" Programme, equipping young people with essential life skills while inspiring positive change.

Funded by Leeds City Council and the Violence Reduction Partnership, the 10-week initiative at Stanningley Fire Station gave participants the chance to engage in structured activities alongside operational firefighters and youth trainers. Through mentorship, teamwork, and hands-on learning, the programme helped build confidence, resilience, and fire safety awareness.

Claire Wright, Youth Interventions Manager at WYFRS, said:

“I am so incredibly proud of these young people. I’ve heard first-hand how hard they have worked over the past 10 weeks, and it was inspiring to see their progress in action today. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn have been remarkable, and it’s clear they have taken on board valuable safety messages that will stay with them for life.”

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Communities, Customer Service, and Community Safety, praised the programme:

“We are so pleased to hear about the hard work from this group of young people and how well they have done. It has really shown the importance of the programme in exploring actions and their consequences, and boosting aspirations and confidence. The programme encourages young people to think about their futures and engages with them to start vital conversations and teach life-long skills and values.”

Director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, Detective Chief Superintendent Lee Berry said:

“This is a fantastic programme, which helps children and young people to make the right choices and recognise potential risks when it comes to their personal safety. It ensures they have a key role in our vision of a safe, just, and inclusive West Yorkshire, and chimes closely with our ‘Child First’ ambitions. By investing in this collaborative approach, we can change lives and encourage positive behaviours across our communities.”

A New Approach – ReAction Programme

Building on this success, WYFRS has launched “ReAction”, a brand-new early intervention programme for children aged under 10-year-old.

ReAction aims to:
✅ Help young people understand actions and consequences
✅ Challenge perceptions and behaviours
✅ Promote safer choices
✅ Raise aspirations and confidence

Through a mix of 1:1 mentoring, small group work, and practical sessions, ReAction will provide early intervention to support young people and encourage positive life choices.

West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service remains committed to working with young people who may engage with emergency services later in life. By acting as positive role models, the Youth Interventions Team helps break down barriers, providing opportunities for those facing challenges such as poverty, difficult home environments, mental health struggles, and involvement in antisocial behaviour.

This initiative is just one of the many ways WYFRS is making a difference across West Yorkshire.

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